Ecological Management
Description
This module explores ecological management of our land base in the context of ecosystem service provision (e.g. food, fibre, regulatory and supporting services), biodiversity protection and climate change to encourage sustainable use of natural resources. The management of a range of ecosystems and their constituent communities and populations will be explored. Key concepts and principles such as agroecology, ecosystem services, adaptive management and management planning will be investigated. Key policy and legislative measures designed to protect and restore ecosystems such as the Natura 2000 network, the CAP green architecture (baseline conditionality, eco-schemes and agri-environmental schemes), EU and national biodiversity policy and nature based solutions to climate change will be appraised.
Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: No poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life On Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.
Learning Outcomes
Describe ecological management of natural resources and the ecosystem services concept
Evaluate ecological management techniques used to manage a range fo terrestrial ecosystems e.g. grasslands, wetlands, peatlands, heathlands, woodland, hedgerows and field boundaries
Describe the role of ecological management of agroecosystems in multifunctional agricultural systems to provide co-benefit for nature/biodiversity, climate, water and production
Explain the development of ecological management programmes for a range of ecosystems and evaluate existing national policies and programmes targeted at ecological management of natural resources e.g. agri-environment schemes, Natura 2000 protected areas
Synthesise their understanding of the major ecological processes that determine the structure and functioning of ecosystems and apply adapted ecological management solutions to ecological issues.